Guest Post: The Proverbial Box!

Once again I welcome Gypsy and her opinions to The Path.  Those of my readers that have found interest in her past posts concerning her experiences with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), may find this one different, yet still of interest.  With everything she has on her plate she chooses to venture, albeit a short piece, into the oft times messy realm of "the box."  I feel pretty certain she does so with some experience in sorting through her own box of life's little pleasures to date.  As she says at the end, "Just some food for thought..."  I invite you to enjoy her latest effort, The Proverbial Box!

Many times I wonder why some feel the need to place everything in life in a neat little proverbial box.  Many times boxes in our lives are meant to be opened because they are gifts to treasure and enjoy.  So why are labels, stereotypes and dogma so important to some? 

At times I feel we turn to such things to attempt to define ourselves to the world around us.  Some feel the need to do this for ego, pride, self-esteem or such have you.  I am one of those that tend not to want to waste another tree on making a box to tie myself up in.  Besides, being claustrophobic tends to help me with the idea of not wanting to live in a little tiny space. I am me, and as long as I am the best me I can be so that I may help the world around me, then I am at peace with me.  

I personally believe once we set aside the labels and dogma, that often times separate us from each other, we are free to be ourselves and are then open to the guidance and directions the universe has in store for us.  There is a light that then emerges from the inside that is there for those that need it to see it. 

Isn't it time to set aside the labels that separate us and get down to the roots of why we are really here together on this planet we call earth?  All religions teach peace, love and compassion, and yet when we separate ourselves and choose whom we feel, because of our labels, we have chosen as worthy of our love, have we not gone against our own beliefs just to boost our own egos and self-esteem? 

May we please try to set aside the labels, dogma, and whose religion is right or wrong, and get down to the dirt of what really matters? 

Isn’t it time to recycle that box and spread our wings and fly so we may be open to the task at hand, helping our brothers and sisters on this earth around us! 

Just some food for thought outside the proverbial box!

-- GYPSY

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion and debate in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years as a military intelligence analyst, planner, and briefer, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we do afterward, and what we learn from the experience.

Frank Anthony Villari (aka, Pastor Tony)

Pastor Tony is founder of the Congregation for Religious Tolerance and author/editor of the Congregation's official blog site, "The Path."